1998 Ford Focus vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1998 Ford Focus. (129 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 2012 BMW 535 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 417 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 2012 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Focus | 535 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
